A group of University of Connecticut engineering students wants the state’s high-tech manufacturing community to see the light.
The students are hoping to spotlight the potential for local industry focused on bending light. The group, launched in the last few weeks, is trying to bring together high-tech laser and lensmakers in an effort to promote collaboration among the companies and with the university.
The move, said a student organizer, would create better training and research opportunities for UConn students and have the added benefit of growing what many see as a burgeoning, but overlooked piece of Central Connecticut’s economy.
The goal of the new group, called the Connecticut Optics and Photonics Association, is to grow the optics industry in Connecticut, said Anastasios Mauridis, founder of the UConn-based group and a Ph.D. student there.
The group wants to create a “cluster” of optics and photonics companies to capitalize on a rapidly evolving field that covers manufacturers of industrial lasers, lenses for biomedical equipment, fiber-optic lasers and other devices based on manipulating light. Clustering, a technique used by other high-tech industries such as aerospace and fuel cell manufacturers, promotes cooperation between companies in research and legislative support.
Mauridis asserts that by bringing together the local firms, the state could spawn new optics businesses and promote the commercialization of research at UConn.
Mirror Image
It’s not the first time a group has tried to build such a cluster. Anthony DeMaria, chief scientist of Coherent, a Bloomfield laser maker, said his company attempted to create a cluster several years ago, but with no success.
“It would be a lot better if industry was to take up the cause,” DeMaria said. “But my hat’s off to the students. It’s a way to call people together. What we need in Connecticut is to bring new technology and new industry and create more jobs.”
Among those lauding the creation of such a cluster was Robert P. Breault, chairman and founder of Arizona-based optics firm, Breault Research Inc., who spoke at the inaugural meeting last month.
“Creativity can die on a vine if it’s not encouraged or supported,” Breault said. His home state already has the type of cluster the UConn-led group hopes to emulate. Breault said networking between companies has helped individual firms spot new opportunities for growth and raise awareness for the industry as a whole in that state.
Central Connecticut already boasts a sizeable number of optics firms. Among them: Trumpf Inc. in Farmington, which makes lasers for factory equipment, Coherent, which also makes industrial lasers, Nufern in East Granby, which makes fiber-optic lasers, and Zygo in Middlefield, which makes special lenses used in manufacturing.
Many of those businesses, although based here, export a significant number of their products. With such a focus overseas, industry experts believe having a local cluster could focus direction for these firms.
Too Busy?
“Industry is so busy. Unless they see a self-serving need, they won’t take initiative,” DeMaria said of optics companies. “They’re busy trying to beat competition.”
There are a number of legislative efforts to increase funding for high-tech companies, for which a cluster could help advocate. One such effort recently signed by President Bush will provide money for high-tech firms such as lasermakers to conduct research and development.
